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Santa Cruz de la Palma Travel Guide

Travel to Santa Cruz de la Palma - Attractive, Vibrant City

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Santa Cruz de la Palma is most certainly one of the most prettiest and aesthetically pleasing capitals to be found on the Canary Islands. If you are looking to be based at the historical centre of La Palma then Santa Cruz de la Palma is your destination!

Santa Cruz de la Palma, meaning the Holy Cross in English, is located on the eastern part of the island of La Palma and is the second largest city after Los Llanos de Aridane. The city is located along an old lava flow coming out from the Caldereta, a volcano located just south of it.

Being La Palma's capital, Santa Cruz de La Palma covers an area of 43,38 square kilometres with San Pedro as the highest elevation in the area, reaching 300 metres. Breña Baja offers a panoramic view of La Gomera to the southeast.

The city was founded by Alonso Fernández de Lugo in 1493, between a river that is situated by a cave named Tedote, now known as Cueva de Carías. The city, originally called Villa del Apurón, served as a port that connected routes to the Americas, exporting goods from the island such as sugarcane. It was sacked by pirates and was later reconstructed and fortified against future pirate attacks.

Attractions in Santa Cruz de la Palma

They include the Castillo de Santa Catalina and Castillo de la Virgen fortifications, the Santo Domingo Church, the Naval Museum, Plaza Alameda, d anthe Santuario de la Virgen de las Nieves.

Santa Cruz de La Palma hosts some annual festivals and events. Major ones are the Fiesta de Nuestra Senora de las Nieves (Feast Day of Our Lady of the Snows) that takes every 5th August; and the Bajada de la Virgen de las Nieves.